Survival rates of children with cancer continue to increase
The survival rate of children with cancer continues to rise, according to figures published by IKNL. Healthcare professionals and scientists at the Princess Máxima Center remain committed to curing even more children with cancer and improving the quality of life of children and survivors.
Compared to the period 1990-1999, the survival rate of children diagnosed with cancer in 2010 through 2018 is markedly higher. For diagnoses during the latter period, the survival rate was 84 percent, up from 74 percent in the 1990s.
‘It is good to see that survival in childhood cancer has continued to increase,’ Prof. Dr. René Medema, Chief Scientific Officer, says of the new IKNL figures. ‘In several forms of leukemia, such as AML and ALL, we see the largest increase thanks to a sum of many different improvements. But across the board, there are still too many children with an extremely poor prognosis: the most difficult-to-treat tumors remain. That is why it is so important to continue to join forces of healthcare professionals and researchers within the Netherlands, within Europe and worldwide. Only together can we achieve the breakthroughs needed to cure all children with cancer, with optimal quality of life.’
Following the new figures, pediatric oncologist dr. Wouter Kollen and pediatric neurosurgeon prof. dr. Eelco Hoving gave an interview to the AD newspaper. Among other things, they talked about the strides being made with immunotherapy for treatment of leukemia, how new technology lets doctors operate better, and approaches to permanently improve the quality of life of children and survivors.
IKNL’s full press release can be found here. The AD interview is here.
Utrecht Science Week: Art and science unite at the Betweter Festival on 25 September
From 25 September to 4 October, the Utrecht Science Park will be alive with curiosity and exploration during the annual Utrecht Science Week. For over a week, the Utrecht Science Park opens its doors to everyone interested in both applied and fundamental science. In close collaboration with various partners, a diverse programme is put together, with special focus on themes such as sustainability and health.
Record number of children from across the province of Utrecht meet researchers
A morning spent interviewing, pipetting or philosophising with researchers from Utrecht. That’s what 3,400 children from Utrecht did on the morning of Wednesday 1 April during the eleventh edition of Meet the Professor. 280 researchers from Utrecht cycled to primary schools in the city and surrounding area to show the children who they are, what they do and what sparks their curiosity. In pairs, because research is something you do together.
Inspiring and connecting visit by the President of Estonia to Utrecht Science Park
On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the President of Estonia, Mr. Alar Karis, together with his wife Sirje Karis and a delegation from the Estonian Health Ecosystem, visited the Utrecht Science Park. During the visit, much knowledge was exchanged and valuable connections were made.